ThermaCELL Patio Lantern

Published in the August 2009 IssuePublished online: Aug 25, 2009

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A few months ago we reviewed the ThermaCELL Mini Lantern and it earned high marks, especially since it kept the mosquitoes off of us during our Shootout Boat Test when we stayed past dark one night to finish up. We had to stay close to the mini version, and we couldn't help but wonder if there was a larger lantern from ThermaCELL that would have put off a little more light and worked a little better for that situation.

Ask and ye shall receive, or in this case, search and give them your credit card number. We came across the ThermaCELL Patio Lantern that creates a 15 by 15 foot "Bug-Free-Zone" and its strongest selling feature is that it repels up to 98 percent of mosquitoes as well as black flies.

ThermaCELL uses revolutionary, patented technology to dispense a small amount of repellent into the air over a long period of time. The Patio Lantern is powered by a butane cartridge that provides the cordless, portable heat necessary to operate the device (batteries are not needed). It directs the heat to a metal grill. A mat saturated with Allethrin, a copy of a naturally occurring insecticide found in chrysanthemum flowers, is placed on top of the metal grill. The heat generated by the butane cartridge vaporizes the repellent so it rises into the air. The repellent is very unpleasant to mosquitoes, but when used as directed, will not harm humans or pets.

We tried it out and it worked great. Priced at $31.99, that doesn't seem like too bad a price, but keep in mind a replacement cartridge will run you another $6.99. That might feel a little pricey, but if you get caught at the docks this summer in a must-have situation, you'd probably pay double for one. Be the hero on your dock and have the Patio Lantern ready for when you need it.